Title: Describe how the operating room interacts with other hospital departments to provide continuity of patient care and safety.
Course: Surgical Technologist I (14056-I) > Section: Exploring the World of Surgical Technology

Description should include

- the use of medical terminology
- the ability to provide continuing education
- the methods and importance of interdepartmental cooperation needed to meet the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), The Joint Commission (TJC), and other regulatory bodies
- the interactions of surgical technologists with other departments, such as admitting, medical laboratory, specimen collection and labeling, radiology, intensive care unit, post-anesthesia care unit, medical/surgical units, central supply, emergency room, same-day surgery units, specialty units (e.g., pediatrics, labor and delivery), pharmacy, and other hospital units.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is departmental interaction essential for a hospital to successfully meet the requirements of OSHA? Of TJC?
- How does the operating room staff typically interact with other hospital departments to ensure the safety of the patient?
- How does the operating room staff provide continuity of patient care through interaction with radiology? With central supply? With the emergency room? With the pharmacy?
- How does effective communication help provide safe patient care? What are possible consequences of ineffective communication?
- How can the operating room team educate other departments about providing assistance in an emergency?